Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Anyone have any experience with Kurt's Camera Repair in San Diego? I need to have a Nikon F, Nikon F2 and a Bronica S2 checked, cleaned and adjusted. They offer a 1 year warranty on film cameras.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Reviews on the Internet (13) - 4.7 on 5 scale
Google reviews (56) - 4.5 on 5 scale
The one year warranty seems a positive.
Judging by reviews, I would say they seem worth the risk.
You might also suggest checking with the San Diego Better Business Bureau.

Sotone

Last year they did a beautiful job restoring my 1970 Topcon RE Super to perfect working condition.

Spis

DO NOT USE KURTS CAMERA REPAIR IN SAN DIEGO!!

This is going to be a long post regarding a situation I found myself in starting in 2017 when I gave my Nikon F4 to Kurt's for a CLA/Aperture Control Lever repair on 10/16/17. I finally got the camera body back on 01/16/18 after a series of BS replies from Kurt's as to when it would be ready (originally promised for 30 days or so. I returned the body 2 days later with the following note:

From: Michael ------ mike@w6ott.net
Subject: Nikon F4 Repair/CLA S/N 2529722 CRI# 00054289
Date: January 18, 2018 at 4:39 AM To: Kurt's Camera Repair
Bcc: File

Hi Folks,
After I picked up this body from your shop on the 16th I found the following problems, none of which existed when I gave you the F4 Body for repair/CLA on 10/16/17.
1) When operating the shutter release the shutter does indeed seem to work but a motor comes on and remains on until I shut down the camera with the power switch. (sounds like the rewind motor) **(actually had to remove the power pack)**
2( The green/red focus illumination light in the viewfinder no longer lights up.
3) The Exposure Compensation Dial (when set at zero) causes the Exposure Compensation Icon to light up in the viewfinder and will only go dark after adjusting the dial one click toward a positive value. (what to believe, the switch or the window on the side of the viewfinder?)
My big concern is the motor running. I can live with the Exposure Compensation Dial (can run a film test with Velvia 50) but the motor is another story. Also, the focus indicator is a big factor since I bought this body primarily fo be able to use my older m/f nikon lenses with the matrix meter in the F4.
I have another F4 which seems to run fine, other than a musty smell, l intend to have it CLA’d once this one is complete. Then on to an F3, Nikkormat EL, and an F Ftn all which are due for CLA’s and new foam.
BTW the repair to the Aperture Control Lever seems to work great, kinda do miss that squeal though, not.

Best, Mike

After waiting well past the new promised finish date I again stopped by the shop and was told they didn't have a way to power up the camera to test their work so I loaned them my battery pack and a lens. (how did they test the initial work without the means to fire up the body?) Anyway, they now had the camera and I waited, and waited, and waited. Each time I stopped in I was given another BS excuse. Finally, after several more months I stopped in to retrieve the camera and was told that it was disassembled and on the repair techs desk and that they would reassemble it in a week or so. I waited several more weeks and went back yet again. The body was still disassembled! I demanded the body and received the disassembled body as a bag of parts.

I have used Kurt's over the years before and they always did a fine job but this time was the last. The saga of lies and shoddy work ($180 worth) elevates my blood pressure still. Writing this up has, I'm sure, raised my BP off the charts. So I wrote off the experience as a learning experience...

Anyway, please save the snarky questions and opinions. Use Kurt's at your own risk! If you truly have questions send me an email and I will reply...

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Try Zacks Camera Repair in Rhode Island. I can’t say enough good things about their service. They have CLA’d or repaired over a dozen 35mm film cameras and lenses for me and one vintage folder with excellent results! Email Michael ( info@zackscamerarepair.com ) and ask him if he repairs Nikons and Bronicas.

Stan

chachie27

I use Kurt's camera repair for all my Nikon cameras....I think they do excellent work...

Charlie157 Loc: San Diego, CA

I had two of my Canon ae-1 checked, cleaned and adjusted, no problems with Kurt' s.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

I have a lot of experience with Kurts. They have always done an outstanding job for me. I know the owner, Mike. They are all great people, service is great, customer service as well. I have referred I don't know many people and they have been. Mike is a retired Navy photographer. Now anytime I refer someone, I always tell people "I have had a great experience with". We all know things can happen for many reasons.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I've used Kurts in the past and will use them again for any future camera or lens repair. Fast, friendly, and reasonable rates.

bigjoe

I live in San Diego and I’ve done business with them and had no problems usually if there’s a problem I take it back and they happily take care of it I’ve been doing Business With them for the last 25 years but the best offense to anything is to be a knowledgeable customer I’ve taken serval Lens I’ve bought off eBay With various problems and they were able to take care of it if you live in San Diego and you’re able to physically go in this is the best way to do business with anybody good luck

DaPhrog Loc: Santee, CA

I've been using Kurt's Camera Repair since they 1st started in San Diego and I wouldn't trust any other repair place in Southern Ca. An old Navy buddy from MD sent one of his old Nikons to them a few years back and is totally satisfied with their work.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

www.tempecamera.com. (Arizona) They are excellent in every way.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

If you are skeptical about Kurt's camera repair, then check out the main west coast Nikon Repair Service in Los Angeles.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

In the face of all the other very high recommendations, can anyone comment on this case?

daiqngo Loc: San Diego, CA

I've used Kurt's a few times. They do a good job fixing your stuff, but expect to double or triple your wait time, based on their initial time estimates.